Renowned jewellery brand Shyam Sundar Co. Jewellers celebrated Teachers' Day with a special cultural programme at Gyan Manch in Kolkata on September 5, honouring eminent linguist Pabitra Sarkar and National Award-winning filmmaker Pradipta Bhattacharya for their outstanding contributions to education and the arts.
Organized in association with House 54 and the Department of Performing Arts, Presidency University, the event brought together academicians, theatre enthusiasts and members of the cultural fraternity to pay tribute to the role of teachers in shaping society.
The programme commenced with 'Shikkhok Pronam', a ceremonial felicitation of Sarkar and Bhattacharya. The two distinguished personalities were honoured by Rupak Saha, Director of Shyam Sundar Co. Jewellers, and Dhiman Mitra, Director of House 54, amid a standing ovation from the audience.
Expressing his gratitude, Pabitra Sarkar said, "As a teacher who studies words, your kindness has left me speechless. Thank you all."
Pradipta Bhattacharya, while accepting the honour, remarked, "You all know I prefer being behind the camera rather than in the spotlight. Special thanks to Shyam Sundar Co. Jewellers for this recognition."
The cultural highlight of the evening was the staging of 'Taray Taray' (Amid the Stars), a critically acclaimed play inspired by Srijato's novel Tarabhora Akasher Niche and drawing parallels with the life and works of celebrated Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, particularly his iconic masterpiece The Starry Night.
Directed by noted theatre personality Kaushik Sen, the production featured performances by Kaushik Sen, Reshmi Sen, Riddhi Sen, Surangana Bandyopadhyay and Rajarshi Nag. The performance received an enthusiastic response from a packed auditorium and concluded with prolonged applause.
The event ended with Kaushik Sen sharing the stage with Pabitra Sarkar, Pradipta Bhattacharya and Rupak Saha in a symbolic gesture celebrating the enduring influence of teachers and the performing arts.
Speaking on the occasion, Rupak Saha said the organisation has always believed in celebrating excellence beyond its jewellery business.
"At Shyam Sundar Co. Jewellers, we have always extended our pursuit of excellence beyond the four walls of our showrooms by celebrating all that is truly 'gold' in our lives. Teachers have always played a defining role in shaping society, and we feel privileged to honour two personalities who continue to inspire generations. We are equally delighted to present 'Taray Taray', a production that is truly 24-carat in both content and presentation," he said.